lineman

noun

line·​man ˈlīn-mən 

1

: one who sets up or repairs electric wire communication or power lines

called also linesman

2

: a player in the forward line of a team

specifically : a football player in the line

Examples of lineman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pata, a 22-year-old Hurricanes star defensive lineman who was expected to be a top NFL draft pick, was shot in the back of his head and killed outside his home at the Colony Apartments in Kendall. —Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026

For all the speculation about selecting a defensive lineman or running back with the ninth overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Chiefs may find themselves in need of a boost in another area — wide receiver. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

Offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy were killed in the crash. —ABC News, 19 Feb. 2026

Pata was a standout defensive lineman for the University of Miami football team. —Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for lineman

• linemen
• steinmann

Kids Definition

lineman

noun

line·​man ˈlīn-mən 

1

: one who sets up or repairs power or telephone lines

2

: a football player whose position is on the line of scrimmage